Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has compared transfer target Leny Yoro to Arsenal’s William Saliba.
The Red Devils have had a £42m bid (plus add-ons) accepted by Lille and, speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand said the teenager possesses even greater potential than Saliba:
“There’s an 18-year-old, I’d love him to come to Manchester United. If you’re watching Leny Yoro, please accept Man United. Man United, please make the offer and please accept because, with this kid, his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, [William] Saliba included.”
“Physically, he’s not as developed (as Saliba), but he’s a different type of centre-half. He’s quick, he tries to nibble and get in front. He can play. He’s tall and mobile.”
What are the chances of United signing Yoro?
While Lille are said to be pushing for the centre-back to make the switch to Old Trafford, Yoro is reportedly adamant that he wants to join Real Madrid.
The European champions are, however, not prepared to match United’s bid as they believe his asking price is too high. The defender’s contract expires at the end of next season, and Real may even wait to snap him up on a free transfer.
Are other centre-backs being pursued?
Erik ten Hag’s side are believed to be still locked in talks with Bayern Munich about signing Matthijs de Ligt. The 24-year-old is likely to cost a similar amount to Yoro.
A second bid of £50m (including bonuses) has been rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and it has been claimed that a third offer will be made. However, the two sides are still far apart on their valuations of the player, with the Toffees holding out for £70m.
Feyenoord’s David Hancko has also been linked with United in recent days, but it’s likely that the Slovakian international will only be pursued if the Red Devils fail in their attempts to snap up Branthwaite.
